I've had this beautiful tin of pastel sticks for about ten years. Every now and then, I'd open them and look at them and think, "oooh pretty". Then I would put the tin back up on the shelf for another year or so (or when ever I moved, cleaned or re-arranged!) Well, a couple weeks ago, as I began (another) self portrait, I wanted to try something different-a new medium. Amazingly, I new exactly where that tin was and I pulled them out. I really debated whether I should try them or not. I mean, I had no experience using these chalky sticks. I was a bit intimidated. I didn't want to 'mess up' and have to start over. I wanted a different look than that of colored pencils. I thought about using acrylic paint or markers but those would not suit the type of paper I was working on...Well, I decided to throw caution to the wind. I was going to try something new, even if it meant messing up or having to start over.
If you're thinking this had a happy ending, you're right!! Now I don't want to say that my portrait is fabulous, but that's not the point. The point is, that it was fun! I loved the pastels! They were fun to work with, easy to blend and very forgiving! So the actual portrait is alright (you can see for yourself real soon!) but the pastels were great.
I know that every time I try something new it may not have the same positive outcome, but it did remind me to at least give things a chance. And now, I have more colors to play with!!! That is a very good thing :)
Happy day to you and yours,
Kristen
P.S. Color something today.
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Kristen - I've loved your drawings for years - I have some of your stamps. But, I'm writing because I just found your blog, and boy do I resonate with your pastels story -- I bought a box of pretty pastel sticks back when I was in the 8th grade -- saved up for them!! But... I didn't know what to do with them. I'd open the box and go "ooh, ahh..."
So, now, here I am, almost 50, and the journey from rubberstamps to other art forms has been fun for me -- life didn't make my career to be an artist (I'm a musician), but now I'm finding great, great joy in my art. Don't care if it's "good" - it's me!!! And now, I bought another box of pretty pastel sticks and I USE THEM -- all the time, on paper, on my paintings, on cards I make & send to friends and relatives. Just as a reminder to follow my bliss, whatever it is!
I don't consider myself an art late bloomer, I just consider myself an art slow bloomer -- I had so many other things I needed to do before I could be at this place -- but now, here I am!! Congrats on your own journey!
Cindy S-E
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